Best Native Plants for Coastal Gardens on Phillip Island
Creating a thriving coastal garden on Phillip Island involves selecting plants that are well-adapted to its unique climate, sandy soils, and salt-laden winds. Native plants are an excellent choice, as they're naturally suited to local conditions and provide habitat for wildlife.
When planning and selecting plants for a native coastal garden, we love to incorporate the contrasting look of silvers and greens with dots of colour from the flowering varieties listed below. These plants, combined with landscaping elements like rocks, lawn, garden edging, and mulch, can create the perfect coastal garden to surround your property.
Here’s our guide to the best native plants for your Phillip Island coastal garden:
1. Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)
Why choose it:
Coastal Rosemary is hardy and resilient, featuring soft silver-green foliage and delicate white flowers. It withstands salty winds and sandy soils.
2. White Correa (Correa alba)
Why choose it:
This versatile shrub provides attractive grey-green leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers, attracting native birdlife.
3. Coastal Spear Grass (Austrostipa stipoides)
Why choose it:
Perfect for adding texture, this grass thrives in sandy soils and harsh coastal conditions, providing visual interest and erosion control.
4. Cushion Bush (Leucophyta brownii)
Why choose it:
Known for its striking silver foliage and rounded form, Cushion Bush is ideal for contrasting textures and coastal resilience.
5. Coastal Tussock Grass (Poa poiformis)
Why choose it:
This grass offers a soft texture, handles sandy conditions exceptionally well, and adds gentle movement to your garden.
6. Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum)
Why choose it:
With cheerful, bright yellow flowers and silver foliage, this plant thrives in dry, sandy soils and adds vibrant colour.
7. Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)
Why choose it:
Ideal for windy and salty conditions, Coastal Banksia produces beautiful yellow flower spikes, attracting birds and wildlife.
8. Billy Buttons (Pycnosorus globosus)
Why choose it:
Billy Buttons feature playful, spherical yellow flowers on tall stems, excellent for adding vertical interest.
9. Saw Banksia (Banksia serrata)
Why choose it:
This banksia is recognized for its distinctively serrated leaves and large, stunning flower cones that attract wildlife. This variety also grows a lot smaller then the Banksia integrifolia
10. Silver Dollar Gum (Eucalyptus cinerea)
Why choose it:
Known for its stunning silvery-blue foliage, Silver Dollar Gum offers both visual interest and drought tolerance.
11. Burgundy Willow Myrtle (Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’)
Why choose it:
With beautiful dark burgundy foliage, this variety provides a striking contrast to the greens and silvers of coastal gardens.
Tips for Success in Coastal Gardens:
Choose plants specifically adapted to sandy soils and salty coastal conditions.
Plant in groups to enhance wind resistance and soil stability.
Use mulch to conserve moisture and prevent erosion.
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems.
Final Thoughts
Using native plants in your Phillip Island coastal garden ensures beauty, sustainability, and support for local wildlife and ecosystems. Ready to get started or need more advice? Reach out—we're here to help you create your perfect outdoor space!
